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Marmol's command off in rough outing

Marmol's command off in rough outing

CHICAGO -- Cubs manager Mike Quade didn't notice any difference in Carlos Marmol's velocity Tuesday when the closer gave up six runs in the ninth inning against Houston to blow a 3-1 lead.

Marmol's command was the issue.

"He has days where his command just isn't as good as other days," Quade said. "I just didn't think he was as sharp with his slider, and that's what he goes to to strike people out. And he got hurt on a couple of fastballs, which is unusual. Hell, I don't think I've seen him give up a home run to a right-handed hitter. It's been years."

Quade's right. The last time Marmol served up a homer to a right-handed batter was Sept. 6, 2008, to the Reds' Jolbert Cabrera.

Marmol hadn't allowed six runs in a game since Aug. 13, 2006, when he started against Colorado. Tuesday was the first time he allowed six runs as a reliever.

Carlos Zambrano, who started Tuesday and was in line for the win, went up to Marmol after the game and told him to keep his head up.

"Nobody felt worse than Marmol [on Tuesday], and it's good to have the guy that pitched so well to get the ball to [Marmol] be right there to pick [him] up," Quade said.

The manager said he hoped Marmol would get a chance to pitch in Wednesday's series finale against Houston.

"I'd love to get him back out there," he said. "That's a classic thing. That's not something that's unique to me or anything else. Most managers, you have a valued guy like that and he has a rough night, that's part of being a closer is getting right back out there.

"He's been too good, so yeah, he'll be out there today if the situation presents itself."